ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, the curriculum for IAS/Civil Services must suit India’s changing scenario and therefore, needs constant modification from time to time
Addresses the valedictory session of Joint Civil-Military Program  at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration , Mussoorie
Union Minister of State  Science & Technology; Minister of State  Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said here today that the curriculum for IAS/Civil Services at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration  must suit India’s changing scenario and therefore, needs to be accordingly modified constantly and from time to time. This is also important to re-orient present and future administrators for the visionary roadmap that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid down before us for the next 25 years till independent India turns 100.
Addressing the valedictory session of Joint Civil-Military Program  at the Academy today, Dr Jitendra Singh called for joint programmes by institutes which are devoted to capacity building for good governance like, for example, LBSNAA, National Centre for Good Governance , Indian Institute of Public Administration , Institute of Secretarial Training and Management  etc., so that instead of working in silos, there could be synergistic programmes which would supplement the individual efforts made by these institutes. He also suggested widening the range of the visiting faculty at the Mussoorie Academy and making Guest faculty more inclusive of scientific experts, industrial entrepreneurs, successful Start-ups and women achievers.
One major step taken by the Department of Personnel & Training  in the direction of major reforms, the Minister said, was instituting “Mission Karmayogi”, which when defined would be the emphasis on shift of functioning from ‘Rule to Role’.
Congratulating the Course Coordinator and the staff of the Academy for successfully conducting the one-week Joint Civil-Military Programme, Dr Jitendra Singh also complemented the officers who attended the programme, which is intended to provide structural interface between Civil Service officers and Armed Forces officers for a better and shared understanding, coordination and collaboration during joint duties and for the purpose of serving the national security of the country.
The Minister said, this programme was initiated in 2001 in the aftermath of Kargil War and has gone a long way in familiarizing the participants with the challenges of external and internal security and plays a wider role in exposing the participating officers to the imperative Civil-Military synergy.
As India enters 75 years of its independence, said Dr Jitendra Singh, and plans for the next 25 years, such programmes enable us to prepare the Civil and the Military authorities to jointly work in different conflict situations internally as well externally.
Earlier Director, LBSNAA, K Srinivas gave an outline about the Civil-Military programme and its objectives.
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SNC/PK/RR
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Prime Minister's Office
PM expresses happiness over the developmental works which are furthering ‘Ease of Living’ in Silchar and surrounding areas
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed his happiness over the developmental works which are furthering ‘Ease of Living’ in Silchar and surrounding areas.
In a tweet thread, Member of Parliament, Dr. Rajdeep Roy informed about Silchar’s vikas yatra. He informed that whether it is education, cleanliness, healthcare, water supply, environment, transportation, availability of affordable housing, safety security and public services, quality of life has improved along with the economic ability of the region. He also spoke about CGHS Wellness Centre, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana , Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin  and other developmental initiatives which are furthering ease of lives of people of Silchar and surrounding areas.
In reply to the tweet threads by Member of Parliament, the Prime Minister tweeted;
“Glad that the fruits of development are furthering ‘Ease of Living’ in Silchar and surrounding areas.”
Ministry of Science & Technology
Kerala Start-ties up with SCTIMST to launch IoT  based used mask disposal smart bin & UV light-based disinfection device to beat COVID 19
VST Mobility Solutions, a Startup headquartered at Cochin, has launched an automated mask disposal machine as part of efforts to develop products helping to combat the Covid-19. The disposal device, named BIN-19, developed Chitra UV based face mask disposal bin technology from the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology , Trivandrum an institute of national importance under Department of Science and Technology , Government of India, was formally launched by Ernakulam District Collector S. Suhas by installing a unit at his office, the administrative headquarters of the district.
The IoT-based BIN-19  is used for collecting and disinfecting Used Face-Mask. The device has been subjected to a series of successful microbiological tests by Sree Chitra Lab. Sree Chitra is one of the testing agency for UV based devices in the country as per the guidelines of the Indian Council of Medical Research .
Launching the BIN-19 and UV SPOT district collector S Suhas said this is the first time such a facility is available in Kerala. “These products will be assets for beating the COVID19 in the state. The products would also help in preventing environmental damages,” he added.
“The DST and the Institute are very happy to see the successful launch of UV-bin and multipurpose disinfection system by VST. We would like to congratulate the team for converting our technical knowhow and prototype into these devices, which will be very handy in offices, homes, and other public places. It will be an addition to the efforts to break the chain of contagion of COVID-19,” said Dr. Asha Kishore, Director, SCTIMST.
Explaining the functioning of BIN-19, Mr. Alvin George, CEO of VST Mobility Solutions, said that the used masks dropped inside a container of the bin will be first disinfected by a process. The disinfected masks will be transferred to another container inside the Bin. The person dropping the mask can sanitize her hands with the help of the automatic sanitizer dispenser attached to the Bin-19. There is no need to touch or operate any switches in the Bin to do all these. All functions are automated in the hands-free equipment for the safety of users and health workers.
The IoT Features of BIN-19 are Auto Sanitizer Dispenser , Mobile Application to navigate/find Bin-19, Web Portal for Status Alerts, Power ON/OFF alerts, Box open alerts.
VSL Mobility Solutions has also launched, UV SPOT, a UV light-based multipurpose disinfector, another product in its Covid-19 combat portfolio. It is a multipurpose disinfector device with ultraviolet disinfection lamps. VST Mobility Solutions said that with internal reflective surfaces and UVC Lamp, the device disinfects a board range of microorganisms.
The device is mainly used for disposing of the contaminated or used face-mask and for reusing the UVC stable metallic products. This device is proven under a microbiological test conducted by Sree Chitra Lab.
Ministry of Law and Justice
Department of Justice organizes Quiz & Talk competition on ‘Constitution and Fundamental Duties’
Delhi State Legal Services Authority collaborates to conduct this event at Theme Pavilion - World Book Fair 2020
The Department of Justice , Government of India has organized a Quiz and Talk competition on the theme of ‘Constitution and Fundamental Duties’, here today, at the Theme Pavilion – Gandhi Hall , New Delhi World Book Fair 2020, Pragati Maidan. The event was held in collaboration with the Delhi State Legal Services Authority.
Three schools namely, DPS R K Puram, LBS R K Puram and Shaheed Major Ashok Sehrawat Government Senior Secondary School, Mahipalpur - with a total of 62 students participated in the event. The school children and audience members were given books as prizes, along with Fundamental Duties Badges made by DoJ. Each participating school and DLSA were presented with Fundamental Duties posters created by DoJ.
The audience consisted of students as well as general public who were keenly interested in the topic of the quiz contest and talk held at the event.
Ministry of Communications
9th West Bengal State-level Philatelic exhibition “Ekla Chalo Re” inaugurated in Kolkata.
Kolkata, November 16, 2019.
To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the 9th state-level philatelic exhibition named “Ekla Chalo Re” was inaugurated by Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, the governor of West Bengal here at Academy of Fine Arts in Kolkata today. The exhibition, organized by West Bengal Postal Circle, will continue till November, 21, 2019. Nearly half of the exhibits are on Gandhi Ji under invited category and rest are under general philatelic category in competitive class.
The governor also released special cover on Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion. A Stamp Show exclusively on life and works of Mahatma Gandhi was also organized. Gandhi Gallery was inaugurated and Gandhi portrait was unveiled at General Post Office , Kolkata. Jacket with Gandhi badge was also released.
The Ekla Chalo Re exhibits rare and exclusive stamps of various collectors and Philatelists. The six day-long programme includes several events. One Special Philatelic Cover will be released on each day highlighting different aspects of life and works of Mahatma Gandhi. Also there will be Special Philatelic Covers on other matters viz. “Poets of Bengal”, “Sports Legends”, “Writers of Bengal”, “Melodies of Bengal” and two Covers on two legendary film personalities of Bengal. The events also include Sit & Draw competition for children, Philatelic Quiz contest for School children, Letter Box painting competition for children, Children’s Khadi Fashion Show, etc. One special Cover will be released on board of a local Tram. Apart from these, a “Gandhi Corner” was also inaugurated in the Postal Museum of Kolkata General Post Office  today.
Shri Gautam Bhattacharjee, Chief Post Master General was also present at the exhibition.
CC/CG/MSA
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Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal visits ‘Matua Dharma Maha Mela’ in West Bengal
Shri Sonowal calls upon people to visit the Mahamela to witness the vibrant culture of Matua community
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal visited the auspicious “Matua Dharma Maha Mela” at the Shreedham Thakurnagar, Thakurbari, North 24 Parganah in West Bengal today. The Mela is being organised to celebrate the 212th Birth Anniversary of Shri Shri Harichand Thakur ji. Union Minister was accompanied by the Union Minister of State, Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Shantanu Thakur, who is also the Sanghadhipati of Matua Mahasangha.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “I feel blessed to be here today on the pious occasion of the birth anniversary of Shri Shri Harichand Thakur ji. The precious contribution of Shri Shri Thakur ji towards the welfare of deprived and downtrodden people must always be remembered. His dedication towards raising awareness, spreading education & improving the condition of women in the society is bright beacon of hope for us to remain on the path of righteousness. Our Adaraniya Pradhan Mantri Shri Narendra Modi ji believes that Matua Dharma Maha Mela is a reflection of ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’ with rich display of the vibrant culture of the Matua community.”
Earlier, quoting the tweet by Shantanu Thakur on Matua Dharma Maha Mela, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi tweeted, “The #MatuaMahaMela2023 is an important event which showcases the vibrant culture of the Matua community. I would urge more people to visit the Mela. Humanity will forever be indebted to Shri Shri Harichand Thakur Ji for showing the path of kindness and service.”
Shri Shantanu Thakur aid that the Mela at Shreedham Thakurnagar will be an experience of religious divinity, harmony in diversity & peace.
The mela is organised by the All India Matua Mahasangha, from 19 March to 25 March, 2023.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Ms. Alka Nangia Arora, JS, Ministry of MSME Assumes Charge as CMD, NSIC
Ms. Alka Nangia Arora, IDAS  has assumed the additional charge of the post of Chairman cum Managing Director , The National Small Industries Corporation Ltd.  on 14th September, 2021. On this occasion, she interacted with senior officers of NSIC and encouraged all employees to continue giving their best performance during 2021-22. Ms. Alka Arora is an industry veteran with over 30 years of the experience in diverse activities across the country. Ms Alka Arora is serving a Joint Secretary in Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and she has also served major positions in Government of India such as Additional Commissioner Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, Managing Director, Cottage Emporium, and Integrated Financial Advisor to the Western Air Command  & FA Army Hospital . She has also served in various capacities with the Navy as a Financial Advisor Naval Dockyard & Joint Controller Defence Accounts Mumbai & as FA to Eastern Command Army Kolkata.
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates women athletes on winning 17 medals for India at Wushu Stars Championship held in Moscow, Russia
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated India’s women athletes on winning 17 medals for the country at Wushu Stars Championship held in Moscow, Russia.
Retweeting a tweet by Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, the Prime Minister said;
“Congratulations to our athletes.”
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Revision of ceiling price of Scheduled formulations
In compliance of the provisions of Drugs  Order 2013, NPPA has revised/ increased the ceiling price of 883 scheduled formulations.
The Authority in its meeting held on 31.03.2020 noted with satisfaction that the supply disruption of APIs caused by COVID-19 outbreak is returning to normalcy and no unusual price fluctuations in price of inputs for medicines, amid COVID-19 outbreak has been reported. Hence, normal price revisions have been allowed.
The WPI increase has been based on the data published by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Increase in ceiling price is based on Wholesale Price Index  which is 1.88468 percent.
The revision in ceiling price of formulations includes the revision of ceiling price of cardiac stents also. The revised prices will be applicable from 1st April 2020 and the detail of revised prices is available on NPPA’s website www.nppaindia.nic.in
RCJ/ RKM
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Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Status of National Gas Grid
The Government has envisaged to develop the National Gas Grid. At present about 16,788 Km natural gas pipeline is operational and about 14,239 Km gas pipelines are being developed to increase the availability of natural gas across the country. These pipelines have been authorized by Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board  and are at various stages of execution viz. Pre-Project activities/laying/testing/commissioning etc.
PNGRB has authorized GAIL to develop North East gas pipeline to develop approximately 750 km long Barauni - Guwahati pipeline as an integral part of Jagadishpur –Haldia –Bokaro Dhamra Pipeline  project which will connect North East region with the National Gas Grid. Further, PNGRB has also authorized Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited , a joint venture company of five Central Public Sector Enterprises  i.e. IOCL, ONGC, GAIL, OIL and NRL for the development of North East Gas Grid to connect eight states of North Eastern India.
This information was given by Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
Group of Secretaries presents ideas on agriculture and allied sectors to PM
A Group of Secretaries to the Government of India, today presented ideas on “agriculture and allied sectors,” to the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.
Union Ministers, and officials from the NITI Aayog were also present on the occasion.
This was the fifth presentation in the current series, out of the total of nine scheduled to be made.
Ministry of Defence
MOU BETWEEN INDIAN NAVY AND UBER
The Indian Navy signed a Memorandum of Understanding  with M/s Uber in the presence of Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, Mrs Kala Hari Kumar, President NWWA and Mr. Abhinav Mittoo, Senior Country Manager, Uber for Business, Under India South Asia and Egypt. The MoU with Uber aims to provide reliable, convenient, safe and economical mobility solutions for personal travel and commute of Naval personnel and families across the country.
M/s Uber will extended following benefits to Indian Naval personnel and their families will include: -
 A personalised profile on the Uber App.
 Premier Executive Cab Category providing surge price protection during peak office hours.
 Availability of Top-rated drivers.
 Zero cancellation fee on all Uber rides.
 24x7 Premium business support.
This MoU aligns with CNS’s vision of ‘Happy Personnel’ under ‘SHIPS FIRST’ and is a maiden initiative in the Armed Forces. It is also in furtherance of Govt. of India’s ‘Digital India’ vision of embracing technology for transformative change.
Ministry of Railways
Use of Bio-Diesel in Railways
Indian Railways has tested the bio-diesel of different feed stock  in the different blending ratio such as B5, B10, B20, B50 and B 100 on its 16 cylinder ALCo and EMD engine test beds. The power performance of engine has been found satisfactory without any adverse impact on engine working. Besides, bio-diesel is found to reduce certain emission parameters which would have otherwise caused pollution in environment.
Key Advantages of Bio-Diesel:
 Renewable Energy source
 Derived from Vegetable oil
 Non-toxic & Biodegradable
 Contains no sulphur that causes acid rain
 Higher Cetane number, better ignition quality
 Used directly in unmodified Diesel engines, neat or blended in any ratio with HSD
 Higher Lubricity – Can prolong engine life
 Flashpoint higher than HSD-safer to store & transport
 Environment friendly-less emissions
 Has rural employment potential.
Bio-Diesel is environment friendly. It substantially reduces unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matter in exhaust fumes. Sulphur dioxide emissions are also eliminated.
This Press Release is based on the information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 03.01.2018 .
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Manufacturing Of National Flags
The Ministry of Home Affairs, has amended the Flag Code of India, 2002 vide its Order dated 30.12.2021. National Flag made of polyester or machine made Flags have been allowed. Now, the National Flag of India shall be made of hand spun and hand woven or machine made, cotton/polyester/wool/silk khadi bunting. The Amendment Order No.02/01/2020-Public  dated 30.12.2021 and the updated Flag Code of India, 2002 are available on the website of the Ministry of Home Affairs www.mha.gov.in.
This information was given by Minister of State for Micro Small and Medium
Enterprises, Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
Ministry of Coal
Coal India to produce one billion tonne of coal by 2024: Target announced by Shri Pralhad Joshi on 45th Coal India Foundation Day
Minister of Coal & Mines, Shri Pralhad Joshi said that the Coal India Limited  will produce 750 million tonnes of coal by the Financial Year 2020-21 and would further produce one billion tonneof coal in the financial year 2023-24. The Minister announced this target during his address at the 45th Foundation Day of CIL in Kolkata today. The CIL is currentlygiven the target of producing 660 million tonnes of coal amounting to 82% of the country’s coal output. The CIL is also likely to offer around tenthousand new jobs to boost employment.Shri Joshi directed CIL to take necessary steps to achieve this goal in light of growing energy requirements of the nation and assured CIL of all possible help from the Ministry of Coal in this regard.
“It is heartening to know that Coal India has planned for huge capital investments for its works and expansion programs, along with bringing in new technologies in its operations. The company will also be on hiring personnel and I am hopeful that it will achieve all assigned goals on time.” the minister said.
Shri Pralhad Joshi said that with the demand for power rising steeply, there is enough opportunity for both government and private sectors to produce coal without adversely impacting each other. Referring to the central government’s recent decision of 100% FDI under automatic route in coal sector, as one of the much-needed structural reforms in the sector, he said that itwill minimize the volume of coal import and will be mutually beneficial.The Minister sought to allay the fears of domestic players and labour unions by reiteratingthat FDI in coal does not stand for FDI in Coal India.
During his address, the Minister urged Coal India to get associated Jal Shakti Abhiyan to conserve water and provide treated mine water to the populace living in and around coal mining areas. On the Prime Minister’s call for eradication of Tuberculosis  from India by 2025, the minister appealed Coal India to eradicate TB in and around coal mining areas by 2024 under its Corporate Social Responsibility  program.The minister also enumerated the milestones in plicy reforms of the Government like introduction of e-auction for allocation of captive coal blocks, Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India , Third party sampling of coal, re-gradation of coal mines in India etc.
The CMD Coal India Shri Anil Kumar Jha along with senior officials and trade union leaders participated in the event.
UPSC
Dr. T.C.A Anant takes Oath of Office and Secrecy as Member, UPSC
Dr. T.C.A Anant, former Chief Statistician of India & Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, took the Oath of Office and Secrecy as Member, Union Public Service Commission  here today. The Oath was administered by Shri Arvind Saxena, Chairman, UPSC.
Dr. Anant’s academic background includes Ph. D from Cornell University and Masters in Economics from Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi. Prior to his appointment as Chief Statistician, Dr. Anant served as Professor at Delhi School of Economics for more than a decade. Dr. Anant has served in a number of Expert Committees of various Ministries and Agencies of Government of India. Dr. Anant has served in the Academic Council and Boards of a number of universities and has been a Consultant to many International Organizations. His publications in the field of Labour, Industry and Economic Theory have appeared in a number of International and National journals. He was also Joint Managing Editor of the Journal of Quantitative Economics.